Follow cover image

What people are saying about Follow:

“Bryan Koch and Daniel McNaughton have exposed one of the greatest needs in ministry today. When Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again,” the first marching orders that follow that commitment remain the ultimate marching orders. When Jesus said “Come, follow me,” he set in motion a commandment, not a suggestion. In the book Follow, the 7 steps to achieve that command are carefully and thoughtfully laid out, that will be the steps to discipleship, preparing one ultimately to lead. One who cannot follow can never lead. Between the statements of Christ, “Come, follow me” and “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” is the blueprint for successful Christian living. A must read.” — Dave Roever, D.D., Evangelist, Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient.

“Follow: Learning to Follow Jesus is counter cultural. It stands in contrast to the admonitions, challenges, degree programs and preoccupation that our society has regarding leadership. It states boldly and clearly again and again that true relationship with God and service for God can only be found in being formed in the image of God … and that only occurs by following Jesus. Bryan and Daniel offer a comprehensive guide not only for the committed follower of Jesus but also for the mentor. Follow is not only a must read, it is a must do!”— Rev. Joseph S. Batluck, Sr., D.Min., Chaplain (COL) U.S. Army-Ret, President/Executive Director Teen Challenge Training Center, Inc., Rehrersburg, PA.

“It has been my privilege, for over 20 years, to witness firsthand the passion that Bryan carries for people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Whether it is from the pulpit, in small groups, one-on-one, or in pouring into his three sons, a fire burns in Bryan's heart to see people go deep in their walk with Jesus. Now through Follow, people around the world will be equipped and challenged to be true followers of our Lord and Savior!”— Greg Hubbard, Evangelist.

“Follow is the book you have been looking for! Daniel McNaughton and Bryan Koch have written a powerful tool to help you grow in your faith journey. Follow presents an intentional process that is amazingly relational and thoroughly biblical. The Spiritual Coaching section is an invaluable discipleship guide that will help you coach others as they learn to follow Jesus!”— Tom Rees, Director of Church Planting and Development, PennDel Ministry Network.

“I’ve always felt like there was a lack of resources to help new believers take their first steps following Christ. Daniel McNaughton fills the gap with Learning to Follow Jesus. It will point new believers in the right direction.”— Mark Batterson, author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, and Primal (www.evotional.com).

“We are living in a time of mass non-discipleship in the church and it is seriously damaging our witness to Jesus and his cause: In this situation the recovery of discipleship takes on strategic significance. Daniel has blessed us with a fine tool to help get us back on track...we are thankful.”— Alan Hirsch, author of The Forgotten Ways and co-author of Untamed and reJesus (www.theforgottenways.org).

“Learning to Follow Jesus is thoroughly biblical, practical in its approach, relationally sensitive, and written for the new believer. It incorporates an approach that recognizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit speaking through the Word of God. It can also serve as a tool for influencers who provide healthy relationships for the person learning to be a true follower of Jesus. The simple approach and conversational tone of this excellent volume provides a wonderful resource for those who have embarked on their spiritual journey to follow the Lord as well as for those desiring to share Jesus with others in a mentoring/coaching relationship.”— Dr. Stephen R. Tourville, Superintendent, PennDel Ministry Network (www.penndel.org).

“Dr. Daniel McNaughton has written an outstanding tool to enhance the spiritual journey of any earnest Christian pilgrim. With a mixture of personal anecdotes and practical applications, he builds clear and practical steps toward Christian maturity. I commend this book to you with highest recommendation.”— Dr. Don Meyer, President, Valley Forge Christian College, Phoenixville, PA (www.vfcc.edu).

Follow

Learning to Follow Jesus

by

Daniel McNaughton

and

Bryan Koch

www.learningtofollow.net

Morning Joy Media logo

Morning Joy Media

Spring City, Pennsylvania

To my dear wife, Lynn, my companion on this adventurous journey of following Jesus. —Bryan Koch

To my sister, Maralyn Mathias. Her life, love, and thirst for God inspired me to follow Jesus. —Daniel McNaughton

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Creed: For Followers of Jesus Christ

Getting Started

Attribute One: Learn to Be With Jesus

Attribute Two: Learn to Listen

Attribute Three: Learn to Heal

Attribute Four: Learn to Influence

Attribute Five: Learn to Love

Attribute Six: Learn to Pray

Attribute Seven: Learn to Manage

Attribute One Introduction

Attribute One Step 1: Learn to Remain in Him

Attribute One Step 2: Learn to Recognize Fruit

Attribute One Step 3: Learn to Be With Him as You Read Scripture

Attribute One Step 4: Learn to Be With Christ in Prayer

Attribute One Step 5: Learn How Remaining in Christ Affects Others

Attribute Two Introduction

Attribute Two Step 1: Learn to Be Happy

Attribute Two Step 2: Learn to Go to the Source

Attribute Two Step 3: Learn to See Jesus in Scripture

Attribute Two Step 4: Learn to Overcome Temptation

Attribute Two Step 5: Learn to Be Productive

Attribute Three Introduction

Attribute Three Step 1: The Importance of Touch

Attribute Three Step 2: Recognize Jesus’ Authority

Attribute Three Step 3: Understand Healing Is God’s Idea

Attribute Three Step 4: Ask in Faith

Attribute Three Step 5: Give it Away

Attribute Four Introduction

Attribute Four Step 1: Invite People

Attribute Four Step 2: Share Your Story

Attribute Four Step 3: Be a Genuine Friend

Attribute Four Step 4: Speak Directly

Attribute Four Step 5: Serve People

Attribute Four Step 6: Make Sense

Attribute Five Introduction

Attribute Five Step 1: Trust God

Attribute Five Step 2: Seek God’s Approval

Attribute Five Step 3: Enjoy God’s Acceptance

Attribute Five Step 4: Partner with God to Change You

Attribute Five Step 5: Enjoy God’s Peace

Attribute Six Introduction

Attribute Six Step 1: Decide Not to Pray Bad Prayers

Attribute Six Step 2: Learn the Disciples’ Prayer—Part 1

Attribute Six Step 3: Learn the Disciples’ Prayer—Part 2

Attribute Six Step 4: Learn to Pray Through Pain

Attribute Six Step 5: Learn to Do Spiritual Warfare

Attribute Seven Introduction

Attribute Seven Step 1: Manage Your Mind

Attribute Seven Step 2: Manage Your Money

Attribute Seven Step 3: Manage Your Body

Attribute Seven Step 4: Manage Your Words

Attribute Seven Step 5: Manage Your Time

Attribute Seven Step 6: Manage Your Gifts

Resources • How to Develop a Schedule

Resources • Bible Study Process

Resources • Conflict Resolution Process

Resources • Grief Process

Resources • 12 Step Recovery Process with Scriptural References

Resources • Evangelism Styles Questionnaire

Resources • Trusting God Assessment

Resources • Seeking God Assessment

Resources • Enjoying God’s Acceptance Assessment

Resources • Partnering with God to Change You Assessment

Resources • God’s Answer for Four Common Lies

Resources • Who Does God Say I Am?

Resources • Scripture Memory Summary

Resources • Challenge Memory Verses

Resources • Selected Bibliography

Spiritual Coaching Resources Overview

Getting Started Coaching Session

Attribute Overview • Coaching Session

Attribute One • Coaching Session

Attribute Two • Coaching Session

Attribute Three • Coaching Session

Attribute Four • Coaching Session

Attribute Five • Coaching Session

Attribute Six • Coaching Session

Attribute Seven • Coaching Session

Coaching Certification Questions

Notes

Acknowledgements

It would be almost impossible for me (Daniel) to list every person who shaped this book, partly because I have a terrible memory and partly because this book has been in the works for so long. I feel like I only played a small role in the formation of this tool. I have borrowed from and have been shaped by so many. I simply wrote what God’s people and God’s Word said. But I want to try give honor to whom honor is due.

First, I want to give all honor and glory to my precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, through whom and for whom everything has been written.

I am deeply grateful for my wife and closest friend, Amy. She has read, reread, edited and critiqued the entire work many times. Her attention to detail has made this work much better work than it would have been without her.

I am grateful for my father, Eldon McNaughton, who inspires me by his life and his words to follow Jesus. He and his wife, Kay, have read every word of this manuscript, prayed daily for me, and continually encouraged me throughout the project. The rest of my immediate family has provided immeasurable encouragement, suggestions and prayer throughout this project. Several of them carefully read the manuscript and provided helpful advice: Ron & Donna McNaughton, Jim & Maralyn Mathias, Judd McNaughton and Sherri Stapleton.

This book grew out of authentic Christian community. The impetus for this book came out of a strategic planning team meeting at Spring Valley Community Church (Barry Behnke, Lee Bilotta, Jonathan Capeci, Dick Gruber, and Joe Terreri). We heard from God together, and they encouraged and commissioned me to write this book. I would probably still be saying “someday” if it were not for them.

An unexpected blessing was seeing God launch the publishing ministry of Debbie Capeci and Morning Joy Media through this project. I discovered her passion for publishing about the time I decided to write. The inside design is all hers. She has given me countless suggestions to make this project better.

Many friends have read, worked through, and shaped various forms of this work. Hundreds of students in my Introduction to Christian Living classes at the University of Valley Forge sharpened me and challenged me to explore a discipleship paradigm that was Jesus-focused, story-based, and practical.

I am grateful for my dear friend, Pastor Bryan Koch and Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church (www.gtaog.org). He has walked with me throughout this process and is leading the way, demonstrating how larger churches can implement this tool.

This book is truly a community effort. To God be the glory!

—Daniel McNaughton

I (Bryan) want to first thank the One that each of us as believers is following and that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior. To him be all the glory and honor! Everything written in this book is about and for Jesus, and for those who love him.

There are many people I need to thank for their involvement in this project and I would like to start with my coauthor, Dr. Daniel McNaughton, who carried the vision and passion for Learning to Follow Jesus and invited me to be a part of it. Debbie Capeci, thank you for all your expertise in this project. May Morning Joy Media be blessed in every way as you help writers bring their heart to print.

Lynn, my lovely wife and lifelong friend, along with my three boys, Ben, Bryce and Brett, have taught me more about loving Christ than anyone else I know. Lynn, I want to thank you again for reading the manuscript and helping fine tune our stories and testimonies. To my sister-in-law Ronda and her husband David, thank you for sharing your story of healing to encourage the faith of others.

I am grateful for my father and mother, Ted and Donna Koch. My parents have been so encouraging and incredibly supportive in every conceivable way my entire life. No one could ever ask for greater parents. My sister is a fully devoted follower who maximizes her influence and freely shares her love. Marsha, you’re the best!

I certainly want to thank the GT leadership team, our staff and executive board for their belief in me, as well as their practical and passionate support. Karen Troutman, thank you for your oversight of this project, as well as all the helpful suggestions through each step of its completion. I know we are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we often do, so Staci Focht thank you for your artistry and graphic design.

Jim and Marijo Smith, what can I say? Thank you for the hours upon hours of editing, encouraging, and coaching. You have really helped me begin to find my voice on paper in addition to in the pulpit, but your friendship has been the greatest blessing.

Finally, to my church family I want to say thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a part of the ministry of Glad Tidings Assembly of God over these twenty-plus years. My prayer is that this book will help deepen your understanding of the love that God has for you! May God be praised!

—Bryan Koch

Introduction

I (Daniel) will never forget sitting in my office at a church in Toronto, Ontario, where I served as an assistant pastor when it dawned on me that I had never been systematically and intentionally shown how to become a disciple, a fully-devoted follower of Jesus. It was shocking to realize the irony. I was raised in a Christian home, attended many Christian meetings, graduated from a denominational college with a degree in Bible, received a masters degree from a reputable seminary, completed more than half of my Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, and was serving as a pastor, but I was never shown how to systematically disciple people. I had invited Christ into my life and was attempting to follow Jesus to the best of my ability, but it was fuzzy. What is a disciple? What does a disciple look like? What does a disciple do?

This was especially disturbing to me because the Gospel of Matthew concludes with the resurrected Jesus appearing to his followers giving them only one command in the Great Commission. It is not “go” as I had often heard preached. It is “make disciples.” One command! Why was it fuzzy?

Over the past eighteen years, I have asked many of my friends if they can clearly and succinctly describe what a disciple is and how to make one. Unfortunately, most are like I was…fuzzy. That does not mean we are not making disciples. It is just not clear. Rather than rant about how this could be, I decided to go on a quest to learn how. We cannot change the past, but we can be part of a future that rediscovers what Jesus had in mind when he gave the one command.

This book is designed to be a simple, practical guide for those who want to learn to follow Jesus. There are four main parts to the guide: an overview of the seven essential attributes of the follower of Jesus (also called “First Steps”); a step-by-step development of each attribute; resources to augment each attribute; and spiritual coaching guides. To get the most out of this book, you will need to read the biblical passages, memorize the Scriptures, write out your answers in the book, pray the prayers, and discuss your progress with a spiritual coach. The goal is not simply to complete the book. The goal is that you will be growing in each of the seven attributes for the rest of your life. When you finish working through the guide one time and are growing in each attribute, you are ready to come alongside another person to help him or her learn to follow Jesus. Keep it going! If you help one person a year follow Jesus and if each person you help does the same, and those they help do the same, in thirty-three years we could reach the entire world with the gospel. I want be part of a worldwide movement of people who focus their lives on the “one thing” that matters most to Jesus. How about you?

—Daniel McNaughton

Looking back over the years before I (Bryan) became a pastor, I realized that I received what many Christians never do—personal spiritual coaching. I was one of the youngest players in the Chicago White Sox organization, and an older player named Paul recognized that I was a believer and that I loved the Lord. The way my baseball coach taught me the game at a deeper, professional level, my spiritual coach did the same for my faith. He didn’t come up with formal teaching sessions or lessons; instead, we did life together. Paul knew the meaning of following Jesus and of his invitation and promise in Matthew 4:19, “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”

When we receive an invitation, it means that person wants to be with us. It amazes me that Jesus even invites me. He invites all of us. As equally amazing as the invitation is Jesus’ promise to make us like him. Come to me and I will make you a healer. Come to me and I will make you an influence. Come to me and I will teach you to pray. Come to me and I will help you manage. Come to me and I will teach you to love.

Follow is the big idea of the Gospel of Matthew and each attribute that you will learn about comes from this former tax collector and faithful follower as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Follow is designed to take you back to the cornerstone of our spiritual foundation, which is Jesus. Follow is a resource with formal lessons that will guide you in a practical and biblical approach to spiritual coaching and discipleship.

My hope and prayer is that this book will allow you to experience the invitation and promise of coming to Jesus and letting him transform you into a fully devoted follower.

—Bryan Koch

Creed

For Followers of Jesus Christ

I have decided to follow Jesus. I believe that he is God in the flesh, and I have received him as my personal Lord and Savior. Having entered into a restored relationship with my Heavenly Father, the Creator himself, I will commit to spending time with him daily. I will listen carefully for his voice each day, as I allow him to use me as a conduit of healing for others. I will pay attention to how the Holy Spirit will direct me to influence others towards Jesus, and I will make loving God and loving others my highest priorities. I commit to growing in continual communication with the Father through prayer, and I give permission to the Holy Spirit to direct me in how I manage my time, my talent, and my treasure. In doing these things, I choose to seek God and his kingdom first, believing that he will provide for the other concerns of my life. I also accept the charge to now give it away, realizing that I am commissioned to make disciples and offer spiritual coaching to others. Choosing to follow Jesus will be my daily decision, and my lifelong pursuit. Choosing to follow Jesus will change everything.

Getting Started

Congratulations on your decision to become a follower of Jesus! You may or may not realize it yet, but following Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. It will affect every future decision you will make on this earth, and it will affect where you spend eternity. You have made a great decision! This book is designed to help you develop in your walk with Christ so you can know and honor God the rest of your life and for eternity.

Since it is such an important decision, it is worthwhile to take a few minutes to review what it means to become a follower of Jesus. John 1:12 describes becoming part of God’s family as a two-part decision: “Yet to all who received him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” You must receive Christ and believe in his name. Even though the Bible teaches that Jesus created the universe (John 1:3), he never forces anyone to follow him. God gives you freedom to accept or reject Jesus. By receiving Jesus, you accept that he was God, that he was the perfect representation of what God is like. By believing in his name, you are trusting that Jesus paid the price for your sin when he died on the cross. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God came to earth because he loves every one of us and wants us to have eternal life. Jesus describes eternal life this way in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Eternal life is knowing Jesus. If you are uncertain whether or not you have done that, why not take a minute right now and make sure. If you are unaccustomed to praying or if you are unsure what to pray, you can join me in the following prayer.


Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to become a follower of Jesus. I receive Jesus into my life. I believe he was God and that he came to pay the price for my sin when he died on the cross. Please forgive me for living life my own way. I turn away from that life and I turn toward you. As best I know how and with your help, I want to live for you from this day forward. Amen.


Having received Jesus and believed what he came to do, you can now be certain that you are part of God’s family.

There are a few things that are important to keep in mind from the beginning. First, becoming a follower of Jesus is not just about learning information. It is much more than that. Jesus said that those who come to him, hear his words, and put them into practice will be the ones who will have a foundation on which to stand when tough times come. Building a solid foundation requires you to bring everything to Christ, hear God’s Word, and then put it into practice.

Second, most of us learn best from watching and learning from others. In other words, “more is caught than is taught.” That’s why we encourage you to put yourself in four contexts where you can learn from others: a large gathering where you can worship God and hear Bible teaching (a church service); a small group where you can apply the Bible to your life and live out your faith with others; a one-on-one mentoring meeting with a spiritual coach; and a private time with God on your own. First Steps1 is a tool that can help you develop in your private time with God and can serve as a discussion starter with you and your coach. We all need people with whom we can share our honest thoughts, our successes, our failures, and our questions, especially when we are just starting out on a new venture. A spiritual coach and the people in your small group will help you learn how to honor God in every area of life. They will probably not have all the answers to your questions, but they may serve as resources to you, and they are committed to sharing what they know with you.

What church do you plan to attend?

Would you like a spiritual coach?

Would you like more information about small groups?

If you don’t have a spiritual coach or a small group yet, please contact a pastor to help you find both.

Third, following Christ is a process. You will not be perfect, nor will your spiritual coach or the members of your small group. Only Jesus is perfect. When you follow Christ, you accept what he has done for you. Knowing that your eternal destiny depends on Jesus’ righteousness and not yours will set you free from trying to work to get God to love you. Jesus has already pleased God for you. There is nothing you can ever do to make God love you more. His love for you is limitless and eternal. His thoughts about you are always good. Enjoy your newfound reality of knowing God is pleased with you because of Jesus. Don’t try to work to please him. Just live your life in gratitude for his amazing love and acceptance. As you spend time with other followers of Christ and with your loving Heavenly Father, you will discover that you want to become more like Christ, and you will change. God will change you.

This book is designed to help you cultivate good habits that will support a healthy spiritual environment for your new walk with Christ. To get the most out of this tool, you will need to make the following choices:

Attribute One • Overview

Learn to Be With Jesus

Scripture Memory (new):

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Read: Matthew 4:18–22

One of the first things we learn when we become followers of Jesus is he wants us to be with him.

What did Jesus say to Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:18–22?

Notice that Jesus took the initiative in their relationship. He loved them and he loves you as well. He is and has been reaching out to you from the time you were born. He invites you to follow him—to be with him.

In John’s Gospel in chapter 1, we also see Jesus inviting people to be with him. Andrew started following Jesus after John the Baptist said Jesus was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” When Jesus saw Andrew following him, he asked, “What do you want?” Andrew responded by calling Jesus “Teacher” and asking where he was staying. Jesus invited him, “Come and see” and they spent the whole day together. There is no higher calling in life than Jesus’ call to be with him. You may do great things for him. You may help many people learn to follow him and that’s great, but your primary calling is just to be with him.

Does it surprise you that the Creator of the universe invites us to be with him? The psalmist writes, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:4). God cares about you and wants you to be close to him. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus wants you to be with him? (Pause right now and take a few minutes to thank the Lord for calling you to follow him. Tell him how you feel and affirm your commitment to follow him.)

What are some of your feelings about Jesus’ calling you to be one of his followers?

What did Peter, Andrew, James and John have to leave behind to follow Jesus?

What would be tough for you to leave behind to follow him?

While it may seem tough to leave something behind right now, you will soon realize that nothing you leave behind can compare in value to the amazing gift that you have as a follower of Jesus.

In Matthew 13:44–46 Jesus compares finding the kingdom of God (having Christ rule in your heart) to a man who found a treasure in a field. He hid the treasure and then in his great joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. He also compared it to a merchant who found a pearl of great value and went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Nothing you have can compare with the treasure you have when you follow Jesus.

One of the best parts about following Jesus is that he will never leave you. The last words in the book of Matthew say this, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus’ commitment to be with you is a forever thing. Though others leave you or don’t fulfill their commitments to you, Jesus promises that he will always be with you both now and throughout eternity. You will never be alone again.

What did Jesus say would happen if Peter and Andrew followed him?

Following Jesus will change your life. He promised to transform his disciples from being fishermen who could catch fish to fishermen who would catch people. He will transform your life as well so you can become the person he designed you to be. You may not know what that is just yet, but it will become clear as you follow him. There is one thing you can be sure of, however: Jesus will lead you to make a difference in the lives of others. That was his purpose for coming, and it was the one thing he told his disciples to do as he was leaving. Don’t let that intimidate you. It will be a wonderful and fulfilling journey. He will show you the next steps, and he will always be with you. Just enjoy being with him now.


Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting me to follow you. It amazes me that you care about me enough to want to be with me. I respond to your invitation again and declare that I am your follower. I will joyfully leave behind the things you ask me to because I believe that I will be better off with you. Change me into the person you want me to become. I rest in your commitment to be with me forever. I also rest in your presence right now, my heart’s true home. Amen.

Attribute Two • Overview

Learn to Listen

Scripture Memory:

“Come, ______ me,” Jesus ____, “and I will make you _______ of men.” Matthew _:19

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Read: Matthew 4:23–25

Jesus began teaching his followers by inviting them to observe what he was doing. According to these verses, what did the first followers of Jesus observe him doing?

As a follower of Jesus, it is important for you to observe Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and healing as well. (We’ll talk about Jesus’ healing in the next attribute.) You will find a summary of Jesus’ preaching in Matthew 4:17: “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” There are a couple of terms that need defining. First, the word “repent” means “to turn away from something and to turn toward something else.” When some people hear the word “repent” they think of it negatively. Perhaps it stirs up an image of a screaming evangelist. Repentance, however, is positive. When we repent we get to turn away from the things that are keeping us from following Christ, and then turn to him, the Author of life.

Second, “the kingdom of heaven” means that God can have first place in your heart. I don’t know what comes to your mind when you think of “kingdom,” but I think of walled cities, castles and kings, like the Battle of Helms Deep in the movie Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The kingdom of heaven is different from that. God’s kingdom is not about weapons and war machines, but there is a king. Luke 17:20b–21 states, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” When the kingdom of God comes in your life, he rules your heart. Your life will change, not by force but by the power of God. We can change because Jesus is near to help us and empower us. That’s great news.

Matthew 4:23 describes Jesus’ preaching about the kingdom like that. The fact that we can turn away from our old lives and have God rule in our hearts is great news. But it’s not without a cost. Your priorities will change as you make room for God to rule in your life. You know what rules your heart by where you give your treasures: your time, your talent, and your money.

What would you say are the top priorities in your life right now?

What are some things you need to turn away from
(repent) so that Christ can rule in your heart?

Repentance is ongoing for a follower of Christ. No one will ever be perfect except Jesus. As you get to know Jesus better, repentance will become easier because you will realize that his ways are always best!

What good things could happen if you were to repent from these things?

What are some things from which you would like to repent?

I want to repent from:

1...........

2...........

3...........

I can turn from this and to God by:

1...........

2...........

3...........

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the invitation to turn away from my old life. I do actively turn away from the things I have done that are wrong and I turn to you. I repent from [tell God the things you mentioned previously]. Thank you for replacing those things with your leadership in my life. I welcome you into my life. Thank you also for inviting me to bring my pain to you. Please bring healing to my life in every way. I am so grateful to you for helping me find life in you, Jesus Christ. Amen.